Indexing attachment

ABSTRACT

An attachment assembly operable on a sewing machine for automatically controlling cyclic movement of the machine sewing needle in a stitching operation. The attachment assembly includes transmission means having an input drive means and an output drive means. The sewing machine main motor drive means is operatively connected to the transmission input drive means and the transmission output drive means is connected to the machine sewing needle drive means. The power transmission drive means includes electromagnetic clutch means for operatively connecting the input drive means to the output drive means whereby the main motor drive means can transfer power to the sewing needle drive means for effecting continuous cycles of operation of the sewing needle in a stitching operation. The power transmission means includes a second or alternate motor drive means having a drive member operatively associated with the power transmission output drive means, and wherein electromagnetic clutch means is operatively associated with said alternate motor drive means and the transmission output drive means. Control means is operatively associated with the main drive motor, the needle drive means and the alternate motor drive means for automatically controlling predetermined cyclic movement of the sewing needle. The control means includes interchangeable modular program means whereby the cyclic movement of the sewing needle can be altered by interchanging selected ones of a combination of modular program elements. Certain ones of the interchangeable modular program elements include means for effecting a control drive movement from the alternate drive motor to the needle drive means for driving the needle to either an up or down position in response to deactivation of the main drive motor. An additional interchangeable modular program element includes means for effecting driving movement from the alternate drive motor to the needle drive means for driving the needle drive means through a predetermined number of cycles of operation in response to deactivation of the main drive motor.

United States Patent 1 Maddox, Jr.

11 1 3 3,818,849 [451 June 25, 1974 1 1 INDEXING ATTACHMENT John W. Maddox, Jr., Augusta, Ga.

[73] Assignee: American Needle Positioners Inc.,

Augusta, Ga. I

22 Filed: Sept. 15,1971

21 Appl. No.: 180,731

[75] Inventor:

Primary ExaminerHr Hampton Hunter Attorney, Agent, or FirmRichards, Shefte & Pinckney [57] ABSTRACT An attachment assembly operable on a sewing machine for automatically controlling cyclic movement of the machine sewing needle in a stitching operation. The attachment assembly includes transmission means having an input drive means and an output drive means. The sewing machine main motor drive means is operatively connected to the transmission input drive means and the transmission output drive means is connected to the machine sewing needle drive means. The power transmission drive means includes electromagnetic clutch means for operatively connecting the input drive means to the output drive means whereby the main motor drive means can transfer power to the sewing needle drive means for effecting continuous cycles of operation of the sewing needle in a stitching operation. The power transmission means includes a second or alternate motor drive means having a drive member operatively associated with the power transmission output drive means, and wherein electromagnetic clutch means is operatively associated with said alternate motor drive means and the transmission output drive means. Control means is operatively associated with the main drive motor, the needle drive means and the alternate motor drive means for automatically controlling predetermined cyclic movement of the sewing needle. The control means includes interchangeable modular program means whereby the cyclic movement of the sewing needle can be altered by interchanging selected onesof a combination of modular program elements. Certain ones of the interchangeable modular program elements include means for effecting a control drive movement from the alternate drive motor to the needle drive means for driving the needle to either an up or down position in response to deactivation of the main drive motor. An additional interchangeable modular program-element includes means for effecting driving movement from the alternate drive motor to the needle drive means for driving the needle drive means through a predetermined number of cycles of operation in response to deactivation of the main drive motor.

2 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures INDEXING ATTACHMENT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a needle stop mechanism for power driven sewing machines and, more particularly, to apparatus for controlling the position and/or the number of cycles of operation of a stitching needle in response to deactivation of the sewing machine main drive means.

In a wide variety of sewing machines, it is advantag eous to make positive provisions for orientation of the movable needle of the stitching mechanism relative to the work at the end of a stitching period or interval. For example, in a sewing machine of the blind stitch type, it is important to position the movable needle in a retracted or clearance position relative to the work to facilitate the unloading and reloading of the machine. It is desirable to have a sewing machine stop with the needle in its up position when threading the needle, changing the bobbin thread on a box stitch sewing machine or changing the position of the needle in the fabric. It

is desirable to leave the needle in its down position during sewing when his necessary to tum the fabric without moving the needle from the fabric as in the case of turning a line of stitching.

It has been time consuming andbothersome to bring the ordinary reciprocating needle of the sewing machine to stop and place it in a specific up or down position for any of these purposes. Generallythe position is achieved by turning the balance wheel by hand after the machine has stopped. Hand operation of the balance wheel to achieve desired needleposition is very time consuming and can represent an appreciable faction of the labor costs involved in producing a garment. it is therefore a great benefit to the garment industry, and ultimately to the consumer, that the labor costs be reduced in production of stitched articles by eliminating the time wastage associated with manual positioning of the sewing machine needle.

In still other types of garment stitching operations, it is often desirable to drive the stitching needle through a predetermined number of cycles of operation, such as making a predetermined number of connecting stitches in one direction and a predetermined number, of

stitches in an opposite direction for securing adjacent edges of fabric material.

' There are a number of prior art needle positioning units which may be built into the sewing machine or attached thereto for orienting the needle in relation to the work. However, such units are comparatively complicated in construction and therefore relatively expensive, both with respect to the initial cost and expense dependent on installation and servicing. Further, due to the complicated construction used in these prior art mechanisms the automatic controlling of the needle positioning devices are unreliable in operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The above disadvantages of the prior art have been overcome by the present invention which basically includes a needle positioner and control assembly which can be attached to presently used sewing machines and which includes interchangeable modular program elements for effecting automatic control of a machine sewing needle in a stitching operation. The needle positioner assembly includes a transmission means having an input drive shaft which is operatively connected to the main drive motor and which includes an output drive shaft which is operatively connected to the needle drive means. The transmission assembly includes electromagnetic clutch means which is operable for connecting the input drive shaft to the output drive shaft in response to operation of a manual control actuator means. The positioner assembly includes an alternate motor drive means which includes a drive member operatively associated with the transmission output drive shaft and includes additional clutch means which is operable for connecting the alternate drive means to the transmission output drive shaft in response to deactivation of the main motor clutch means. A synchronizer control means is operatively associated with the needle drive means and includes means for controlling operation of the alternate drive means for effecting a predetennined cyclic movement of the transmission output drive shaft to thereby advance the needle to a predetermined adjusted position.

One important feature of the present invention includes the control means operatively associated with the needle drive means andthe alternate drive means, wherein the control means includes interchangeable modular program elements which can be selectively connected to the control means for altering the cyclic movement of the needle drive means.

Another important feature of the present invention includes the construction of the drive transmission at tachment wherein a pair of concentrically mounted drive shafts are supportedin a housing and include a number of selectively operable clutch means associated therewith and detailed such that input drive can be transmitted to one drive shaft and .an output drive can be transmitted to a second drive shaft.

It is therefore a primary object of this invention to provide a needle positioning and control mechanism which can be attached to a sewing machine for automatically controlling the position of a machine sewing needle in a stitching operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide a needle positioning attachment which is simple in construction and operation, economical to manufacture and reliable in performance.

A still further object of this invention. is to provide a needle positioning attachment which includes interchangeable modular program means for altering the control operation of the needle positioning attachment.

A further object of this invention is to provide a drive transmission means having juxtaposed coaxially operable input drive means and output drive means.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide an indexing drive means which would have utility in the drive mechanisms associated with punch presses, textile looms and similar related equipment.

Still other objects and advantages of the details of construction will become apparent upon reading the following description of the illustrative embodiment embodying the principles of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings wherein like reference numerals have been used to refer to like parts throughout the several figures, and wherein:

FIG. I is a fragmentary elevational view showing an indexing attachment embodying the principles of the 3 present invention operatively associated with a sewing machine, with certain parts omitted for purpose of clary;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken through the indexing attachment synchronizer mechanism;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged one-quarter sectional view of the indexing attachment transmission control means;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 44 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an electrical schematic view of the indexing attachment control means; and,

FIGS. 6-11 are electrical schematic views showing a number of modular program elements utilized in the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, the indexing attachment embodying the principles of the present invention will be described with reference to a conventional industrial type sewing machine generally represented by the reference numeral 10 having a clutch operated motor drive means 20. Motor drive means 20 is operatively connected to the transmission assembly 40 which is electrically controlled by synchronizer means 80 adjusting motor 110 and electrical control assembly 150.

As shown in FIG. 1, the sewing machine may be of any well known type such as the machine shown in the Kaier US. Pat. No. 2,206,285, dated July 2, 1940 which has been modified in the manner to be described. The machine 10 is supported on a conventional table support means 11 and is provided with a reciprocating needle bar 12 carrying a needle 13. Needle I3 is driven by an actuating shaft 14 in a conventional manner. The sewing machine includes a presser foot 15 which can be lifted from its work engaging position upon the application of pressure to an operating lever 16 ofa knee-shift device similar to that disclosed in the Kaier patent. Reference is made to the Kaier patent for details of construction of the sewing machine and pressure foot lifting mechanism. I

As shown in FIG' 1, drive means for effecting operation of the sewing machine 19 is provided by a conventional electrical motor means 20. Motor 20 is supported beneath the table 11 by means of a conventional motor bracket assembly 21. Motor includes a power output shaft 22 which is controlled in a conventional manner between a clutch engaging driving operation and a clutch disengaged braking operation by means of a lever means 23. Lever 23 is pivotally supported at 24 on a motor bracket mechanism 25. Lever 23 is substantially L-shaped and includes a first arm portion 26 which is pivotally connected at 27 to a reciprocating motor clutch and brake assembly 28. Motor clutch and brake assembly 28 is coaxially mounted relative to power output drive shaft 22. Reference is made to prior U.S. patent to Larys et al US. Pat. No. 2,942,564, dated June 28, 1960 for details of construction of the reciprocally operable clutch and brake assembly 28. Movement of lever 23 to an operable clutch engaging position is effected by means of a treadle 30. Treadle 30 is pivotally supported by a support shaft 31. Treadle 30 is operatively connected by a link 32 to a second arm portion 33 of the L-shaped lever 23. The clutch operating lever 23 is normally urged in a clockwise direction by the torsion spring 29 to a clutch disengaged braking position. Movement of the lever 23 in a counterclockwise direction will effect movement of the clutch and braking assembly 28 to a clutch engaging position. Lever 23 is moved in the counterclockwise direction by depressing the treadle 30.

As shown in F IG. 1, power from the motor drive shaft 22 is delivered to the power transmission assembly by means of a pulley 34 and belt drive means 35. Pulley 34 is fixed to the motor drive shaft 22. The drive belt 35 is supported in driving engagement with an input pulley 41. As shown in FIG.'3, the input pulley 41 is fixed to an input drive shaft 42 by a conventional set screw means 43. Input drive shaft 42 is rotatably supported within an output drive shaft 44. The two drive shafts 42, 44 are supported by conventional bearing means 45 in a first end plate support member 46. An opposite end of input drive shaft 42 is supported by conventional bearing means 47 in a second horizontally spaced end plate' member 48. End plate members 46, 48 are supported in a horizontally spaced vertically oriented position by means of a transmission housing frame member 49. A top plate support member 50 is secured across the upper edges of the end plate members 46, 48 and the frame member 49. The top plate member 50 is secured to the underside of table 11 by conventional bolt connecting means 51.

As shown in FIG. 3, the output drive shaft 44 is secured in an axially set position relative to input drive shaft 42 by means of a pair of axially spaced retaining clips 52, 53. The output drive shaft 44 includes oppositely directed, axially formed recess notch portions provided with self lubricating bearing elements 54 which provide suitable means for supporting the output drive shaft 44 for rotary movement relative to the input drive shaft 42. The output drive shaft 44 is secured in an axially set position-to include a projecting end portion which extends laterally outward of end plate member 46 a sufficient distance to provide a support portion for a drive pulley 55. The drive pulley 55 is secured in an angular set position on the output drive shaft 44 by means of a conventional set screw means 56.

As shown in FIG. 3, the output drive shaft 44 is normally rotatable relative to the input drive shaft 42 and is adapted to be connected in driving relationship therewith by means of an electromagnetic clutch as- I sembly 60. The electromagnetic clutch assembly includes an annular housing member 61 which is supported on end wall 48 in concentric relationship relative to drive shaft 42. Annular housing 61 includes a recessed groove 62 which supports an annular electrical coil 63. The electrical coil 63 is adapted to be connected to conventional electrical supply means having selective control means for effecting operation of the electromagnetic clutch, as will be described in more detail hereinbelow. The clutch assembly 60 includes a rotor member 64. Rotor member 64 includes an inner member 65 and an outer member 66 secured in concentric relationship relative to each other by means of suitable non-conductive non-magnetic plastic material 67. The inner rotor member 65 is secured in an angular set position on the input drive shaft 42 by means of a conventional set screw means 68. Thus, it is apparent that rotary input to drive shaft 42 will effect corresponding rotary movement of the rotor member 64.

A drive from rotor 64 is transferred to the output drive shaft 44 by means of a selectively engageable clutch plate 70. The clutch plate 70 is supported on the output drive shaft 44 by means of a collar member 71. Collar 71 is secured to the output drive shaft 44 by conventional set screw means (not shown). Clutch plate 70 is secured in an angular set axially slidable position oncollar 71 by a plurality of roll pins 72 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 3, however it is to be understood that a plurality of equal angularly spaced roll pins will be provided for supporting the clutch plate member 70 for limited axial sliding movement). A drive is transferred from the input drive shaft 42 to the output drive shaft 44 by energization of the electrical coil 63.

. corresponding rotary movement of theclutch plate 70 and the output drive shaft 44. A drive from output drive shaft 44 will effect rotation of pulley 55. Drive from pulley 55 is delivered by a conventional belt 75 to the machine hand wheel pulley 76. The hand wheel pulley 76 is secured to the needle actuator shaft 14.

Thus, it can be seen that a drive from motor can be transferred to the input drive shaft 42, through the clutch assembly 60, out through the output drive shaft 44, and delivered by the belt and pulley drive means 75, 76 for effecting reciprocating cyclesof actuation of the needle 13. In a normal stitching operation, the clutch assembly 60 is energized for effecting continuous operation of the needle 13, by depressing the treadle 30, in a manner as will be described in more detail hereinbelow in the description of the operation of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 14, the indexing attachment of the present invention includes a needle positioner assembly which includes a synchronizer 80 and a second drive motor adjusting means 110. The synchronizer 80 includes a rotary shaft element 81 which is fixed in coaxial relationship to the machine drive shaft 14. The synchronizer shaft 81 is secured to the hand wheel means 76 by means of an attachment assembly 82. The attachment assembly 82 is secured to the hand wheel 76 by a plurality of connecting bolt means 83 and includes an opening which receives shaft 81 which is fixed relative thereto by means of conventional set screw means 84.

As shown in FIG. 2, the synchronizer 80 includes a plurality of disk members 85, 86, 87. The disks 85, 86, 87 are secured to the synchronizer shaft 81 by means of conventional set screw means 85a, 86a, and 87a. The disk members 85-87 are constructed of plastic or other suitable non-conducting material, with each being provided with a conducting ring portion 85b, 86b, 87b. The conducting ring portions 85b, 86b include small cutout portions 850, 86c, as shown in FIG. 5, which are nonconducting. The disk elements 85 and 86 are secured in angular set positions relative to shaft 81 whereby the cutout portions 850 and 860 are angularly displaced substantially 180 relative to each other.

The cutout 85c is representative of a needle up position, the cutout 86c is representative of a needle down position, with the angular conducting ring 87b operable for developing cyclic pulses through a counter mechanism, all of which will be described in more detail here inbelow- Electrical current is conducted to and through the ring portions b 87b by means of brushes 95, 96 and 97, respectively. Each of the brushes -95 are slidably supported by a conventional electrical connection bracket 98. The electrical connection bracket 98 is secured in a cylindrical housing 99. Housing 99 is supported in coaxial relationship relative to the disk elements 85-87 by means of a conventional bearing element 100. The inter race of bearing 100 is secured to the synchronizer shaft 81 by a conventional bolt connected means 101 and the bearing outer race is secured to the housing 99. Housing 99 is supported in an axially fixed position relative to shaft 81 by means of a support bracket 103. The support bracket 103 is secured to the table top 11 by conventional threaded bolt connecting means 104.

As shown in FIG. 2, the brush elements 9597 are spring urged into contact with their respective ring elements by compression springs 95a, 96a and 97a, with each brush being electrically connected to a respective lead line 95b, 965 or 97b. As shown in FIG. 2, the conducting ring elements 85b, 86b and 87b are electrically connected to an output line 105 by three similar spring operated brush elements 106, 107 and 108 which are operatively supported in a mounting bracket 109. The electrical controls produced by the synchronizer 80 will be described in more detail hereinbelow.

As shown in FIG. 3, the indexing attachment includes a needle adjusting drive assembly 110. The adjusting drive assembly 110 includes a conventional electrical motor 111. Motor 111 is provided with a gear reduction housing 112 having an output drive shaft 113. A conventional sprocket 114 is secured to drive shaft 113. Drive from sprocket 114 is transferred by means of a conventional chain 115 to a sprocket 116. Sprocket 116 is rotatably supported on a coaxial self lubricating sleeve element 117. The sleeve 117 is concentrically supported on the output drive shaft 44. Sprocket 116 includes a collar portion 118 having a plurality of axially extending roll pins 119. A drive from the sprocket 116 is delivered to the output drive shaft 44 by means of an electromagnetic clutch means 120. The electromagnetic clutch means 120 is identical to the electromagnetic clutch means 60 and includes an annular support housing 121 having a recessed groove portion 122 which is provided with an electromagnetic coil means 123.

As shown in H6. 3, theclutch assembly 120 includes a rotor 125. Rotor 125 includes an inner hub portion 126 and an outer ring portion 127 secured in concentric relationship by means of conventional nonconducting, nonmagnetic plastic or other similar material 120. The rotor inner hub portion 126 is secured to the output drive shaft 44 by conventional set screw means 127. A clutch disk 120 is supported on the roll pins 119 for axial displacement relative to the sprocket 116. A drive operation is transferred from the sprocket 116 to the output drive shaft 44 by energizing the electromagnetic coil 123. Energization of the electromagnetic coil 123 will develop a magnetic field out through the rotor outer ring element 127, through the clutch disk 130 and back through the rotor inner hub member 126. Since the clutch plate 130 is magnetically attracted to the rotor 125, a rotary movement of the clutch plate 130 by sprocket 116 will effect a corresponding movement of the output drive shaft 44.

The synchronizer 80, adjusting motor drive means 110 and electromagnetic clutch means 120 is operable for effecting predetermined cyclic movement of the needle 13 between an up and down position and between a number of predetermined cycles of operation by an electrical control assembly generally represented by the reference numeral 150. The electrical control assembly is contained within a housing supported beneath the sewing machine top 11. The electrical control assembly is schematically shown in FIG. and includes a power input line means 151 which is electrically connected to the sewing machine main drive motor 20 by means of a manual control switch 152. The manual control switch 152 is also operable for developing current flow in a pair of lead lines 153, 154. Lead line 153 is provided with a conventional fuse means 155.

In a continuous stitching operation by the needle 13, the power is delivered from motor 20 by effecting operation of the clutch assembly 28. The clutch assembly 28 is operated by depressing the treadle 30. Operation of clutch 28 will connect the output drive shaft 22 to the motor 20 for rotating pulley 34 and belt 35. Rotation of belt 35 will effect corresponding rotation of input pulley 41 and input drive shaft 42. A control switch 160 is supported beneath motor housing 20 and in position to be contacted by the lever arm 33. When the lever arm 33 is in an operable clutch disengaging position, the lever arm will effect a closing of switch 160. When lever arm 33 is moved to an operable clutch engaging position, switch 160 is opened. Switch 160 is operatively connected through one of the modular program elements and the synchronizer to a relay member 161. Relay 161 is connected to a pair of switches 163, 164. Switch 163 is electrically connected to the adjusting motor drive means 110; and switch 164 is electrically connected for conducting power through either the electromagnetic coil 63 or the electromagnetic coil 123. As shown in FIG. 5, a current converter is electrically connected between the lead lines 153 and 154 and the clutch coils 63, 123. With the relay 161 deenergized, switch 164 is biased to a position for conducting electrical current through coil 63. Clutch coil 63 will operate to energize the electromagnetic clutch means 60 thereby connecting the input drive shaft 42 with the output drive shaft 44, whereby drive can be delivered from motor 20 to the sewing machine pulley 76 for effecting cyclic operation of the needle actuating shaft 14.

Since the control switch 164 is automatically biased to conduct current to clutch coil 63 when treadle 30 is actuated to effect operation of the clutch assembly 28, there will be an uninterrupted drive flow from motor 20 to the hand wheel pulley 76 for effecting the continuous operation of the stitching needle 13. When the treadle 30 is released, the torsion spring 29 will automatically return the clutch assembly 28 to a disengaged braked position stopping rotation of pulley 34, belt 35 and input drive shaft 42. Also, when the lever 33 is returned to a clutch disengaged position, the switch 160 will be closed, thereby conducting current to the synchronizer 80 through a selected modular program element, as will be described hereinbelow.

Switch 160 is electrically connected through a terminal connector element to modular programmed means 180 including a plurality of modular program elements 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186. The terminal connector element 170 is provided with seven female connector contacts 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176 and 177. The connector contact 171 is electrically connected to switch 160. Connector contact 172 is electrically connected to a manual control switch 165. Control switch 165 isoperated by a knee action lever means 166, as shown in FIG. 1. The knee action lever 166 is adjustably connected to a pivot support shaft 167. The knee action lever 166 is urged in a clockwise direction to effect corresponding clockwise movement of shaft 167 to close switch 165. The switch 165 and lever 166 is urged to a counterclockwise limit by conventional spring means (not shown).

Connector contact 173 is connected directly to relay means 161 whereby current conducted through the conducting contact 173 will effect operation of relay 161. Connector contact 174 is electrically connected to brush element 95 and the needle-up position control ring 85. The connector contact 175 is electrically connected to brush 96 and needle-down position control ring 86. The connector contact 176 is electrically connected to brush 97 and pulse developing ring 87. Connector contact 177 is electrically connected to the lead line 154.

As shown in FIGS. 6-11, each of the modular program elements 181-186 includes seven male connector contact elements 171a, 172a, 173a, 174a, 175a 176a and 177a. Electrical current is conducted from the closed switch 160 and connector contact 171 to selected ones 'of the synchronized control switches by making an electrical connection between the connector contact 171a and the desired output connector.

As shown in the module 181 of FIG. 6, the lead line 181a is electrically connected between connector contact 171a and contact 174a. Current conducted through the modular program 181 will be transferred through the connector contact 174 to the brush element 95. When the ring member is in any position other than a needle-up position, the brush will contact the current conducting ring portion 85b. Current transferred to ring 85b will be transferred through brush 106 to lead line which will effect operation of relay 161. When relay 161 is energized, switch means 163 will be moved to an on position allowing current to flow to the adjusting motor drive means for effecting movement to the sprocket 116. Simultaneously with the closing of switch 163 by the relay 161, the switch 164 will be moved to an alternate position for conducting electrical current through clutch coil means 123. When current is conducted to clutch coil 123, the clutch disc 130 will be axially displaced into frictional driving engagement with rotor 125. Rotary movement of sprocket 116 and clutch disc 131) will effect corresponding rotary movement of rotor and the output drive shaft 144. The rotary movement of output drive shaft 144 will continue until shaft 81 effects an annular displacement of disc 85 to bring the cut out portion 85c into alignment with brush 95. When brush 95 is aligned with cut out portion 85c, the current flowing to relay 161 will be stopped thereby effecting an opening of switches 163 and 164. As soon as switch 163 is opened the drive from motor 110 will be stopped and switch 164 will be moved to a position for energizing clutch coil 63. When clutch coil 63 is energized the output drive shaft 44 will be effectively 9 I stopped in a stationary position by input drive shaft 42 and the braking mechanism associated with the main motor drive means 20. Thus it can be seen that by plugging the modular program means 181 into the terminal connection means 170, the current conducted by switch 160 when the treadle 30 is moved to an inoperable position will allow the current to flow through the modular program means 181, synchronizer means 80 to the relay element 161 for effecting adjustment of the needle to the up position.

As shown in the modular program element 182 of FIG. 7, contact 171a is electrically connected by a lead line 182a to contact 1750. When the modular program element 182 is inserted or connected to the terminal connection 170, the current flowing through switch 160 will be transferred through the connected contact 175 to brush element 96. Current flowing through brush element 96 will be transferred through the annular ring 86b, through brush 107 and output line 105 to the relay 161 for effecting operation of the adjusting motor drive means 110 and electromagnetic means 120 as described hereinabove, for adjusting the needle to an automatic down position.

Referring now to the modular program element 183 of FIG. 8, the connector contact 171a is connected to a manually shiftable switch element 183a. The manually shiftable switch element 183a is selectively operable for conducting electrical current to either contact 175a or contact 174a. Thus it can be seen that by connecting the modular program element 183 with the terminal connection means 170, current flowing through switch 160 can be transferred to eitherthe up control disc element 85or the down control disc element 86,

whereby the needle can be adjusted to the selected position. The program control element 183 can be altered by manually moving the switch 183a to an alternate position.

As shown in FIG. 9, still another modularprogram means 184 is provided wherein contact 171a is electrically connected to a switch element 184a. Switch 1840 is operatively associated with contacts 174a and 175a for selectively conducting current to either of these contacts. Switch 184a is'normally biased to a position for conducting current to switch 174a for effecting movement of the needle tothe up position, as'described hereinabove. Movement of switch 184a into contact with connector contact 175a is effected by means of a relay means l84b. Relay 184b is energized by operation of the knee action control switch 165 which will effect a transfer of current through connec-' tor contact 172, connector contact 172a into the relay 184b. Relay 18412 is connected to the ground connector contact 177a. In operation, the modular program element 184 is connected with the terminal connection means 170, wherein the current flowing through switch 160 will be transferred in a first mode of operation out through the connector contact 174a for adjusting the stitching needle to an up position. After the needle has been stopped in an up position, if it is desired to move the needle to a down position, the operator will merely effect a clockwise rotation of the knee action lever 166 which will in turn close switch 165. When switch 165 is closed, current will flow through the connector contact 172 and 1720 for energizing relay 1841). When relay 184b is energized, the switch 184a will be moved to an adjusting position for conducting current through the contact 175a and contact 175 'for effecting operation of theadjusting motor to bring the needle to a down position.

As shown in FIG. 10, a further'modular program element 185 is provided for effecting still another automatic operation of the needle adjusting mechanism. The modular program element 185 is similar in construction to the modular program element 184, except that the switch means 185a is normally biased into position with contact a and is moved intoposition with the connector contact 174a by means of operation of the relay' 18511. The modular program means is a reverse of that provided by modular program means 184, in that the current conducted through contacts 171, 171a will be transferred first through the contacts 175a, 175 for effecting adjustment of the needle to the down position, and if it is desired to move the needle to the up position, the operator wouldthen effect counterclockwise movement of the knee action lever 166.

Referring now in particular to FIG. 11, a still further modular program element 186 is provided for effecting predetermined numbers of cyclic I movement of the stitching needle 13. In the modular program element 186, the connector contact 171a is electrically connected to the connector contact 174a for automatically adjusting the needle to the up position. The purpose of providing current through contact 171a and contact 174a is to provide means for conducting current to either of the electrical brush elements 106, 107 and to the brush element 108. Current conducted into brush 108 will develop an electrical pulse with each cycle of rotation of the conducting ring 87b. When the conducting ring 87b passes the electrical lbrush means 97, the pulse will be transferred through the contact 176, contact 1760 into a conventional electrical pulse operated counter mechanism 186a. The pulse flowing through counter mechanism 186a is transferred through conventional indexing counter mechanism (not shown) and out through the ground connector contact 177a. The conventional electrical pulse counter 186a is operable for counting predetermined number of pulses transmitted thereto. A continuous supply of current is conducted to the counter mechanism 186a from the connector contact 171a. The con tinuoussupply of current conducted to counter 186a will flow out through a normally closed switch 1861] into the connector contact 1720. Current flowing through connector contact 1720 will flow through the connector contact 173a, connector contact 173 into the relay means 161a for effecting a continuous operation of the adjusting motor 110 until the switch 186b is moved to an opened position. Switch 186b is moved to an open position upon de-energization of relay 1860.

Relay 1860 is normally maintained in an energized po-. sition for closing switch 186b and is de-energized after the counter 186a has effected a counting of a predetermined number of pulses, at which time relay 1866 is deenergized to open switch 186b. When switch 186b is open, the current will stop flowing through the connector contacts, 173, 173a. However, the motor means 110 will continue to rotate the needle 13 until the needle is moved to the up position under control of synchronized disc 85. Thus it is apparent that the modular program control means 186 is operable for effecting a continuous adjustment of the needle 13 by the adjusting motor 110 for a predetermined number of cycles, after which the needle is stopped in the up position. It

is obvious that a similar modular program element could be provided similar to the one shown in FIG. 11 for stopping the needle in the down position after a predetermined number of cycles of movement of the stitching needle 13.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the modular program elements 181-186 are provided with alignment projections and recesses 190, 191, respectively, which are adapted to be connected in an aligned engagement with a complementary recess 192 and projection 193, respectively, formed on the connection terminal 170.

As shown in FIG. 2 the synchronizer 80 is constructed of a plurality of axially spaced disc elements 85-87 which are supported on shaft 81. It is obvious that the capabilities of the synchronizer 81) can be increased by adding additional disc elements to the shaft element 81 and operatively connecting the disc elements with additional terminal connection elements provided on the connection terminal 170 and modular program elements 181-186.

It now becomes apparent that the above described illustrative embodiment of the indexing attachment embodying the principles of the present invention is capable of obtaining the above stated objects and advantages. It is obvious that those skilled in the art may make modifications in the details of construction without departing from the spirit of the invention which is to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An attachment assembly operable in a sewing machine for automatically controlling the position of the machine sewing needle comprising, in combination:

a. drive means for said sewing needle including a needle drive shaft,

b. a main motor for selectively driving said needle drive means,

c. an auxiliary motor for said needle drive means to alternatively position said sewing needle at preselected positions thereof,

d. power transmission means including i. a drive shaft having a drive pulley mounted thereon, said drive pulley being in driving connection with said main motor,

ii. a driven shaft telescopically mounted for relative rotation with respect to said drive shaft, said driven shaft having a first pulley mounted thereon in driving connection with said needle drive means and having a second pulley rotatably mounted thereon in driving connection with said auxiliary motor,

iii. a first electromagnetic clutch associated with said drive shaft and said driven shaft for selectively connecting said drive shaft in driving contively connecting said driven shaft in driving connection with said second pulley upon energization of said second electromagnetic clutch, and

e. control means including i. a first ring formed principally of electrically conducting material and including a relatively small non-conducting portion, said first ring being mounted for rotation with said needle drive shaft,

ii. a second ring formed principally of electrically conducting material and including a relatively small non-conducting portion, said second ring being mounted for rotation with said needle drive shaft,

iii. a first electrical circuit including two contacts engaging said first ring for selectively energizing said first electromagnetic clutch when both contacts engage conductive portions of said first ring'and for selectively deenergizing said second electromagnetic clutch when one of said contacts engages only the non-conductive portion of said first ring at the up position of said sewing needle,

iv. a second electrical circuit including two contacts engaging said second ring for selectively energizing said second electromagnetic clutch when both contacts engage conductive portions of said first ring and for selectively deenergizing said second magnetic clutch when one of said contacts engages only the non-conductive portion of said second ring at the down position of said sewing needle,

v. switching means for alternately and selectively closing said first and second electrical circuits whereby said second electromagnetic clutch may be energized by either of said first and second electrical circuits.

2. An attachment assembly as defined in claim 1 and further characterized in that:

said telescopically mounted driven shaft has an extending length that is less than the length of said drive shaft;

said first electromagnetic clutch includes a first rotatable member secured to said drive shaft at a point adjacent one end of said driven shaft, and a second rotatable member carried on said one end of said driven shaft, said first and second rotatable memher being magnetically connected to one another when said first magnetic clutch is energized; and

said second electromagnetic clutch includes a first rotatable member secured to said driven shaft, and

a second rotatable member carried by said second pulley adjacentsaid first rotatable member, said first and second rotatable members being magnetically connected upon energization of said second magnetic clutch. 

1. An attachment assembly operable in a sewing machine for automatically controlling the position of the machine sewing needle comprising, in combination: a. drive means for said sewing needle including a needle drive shaft, b. a main motor for selectively driving said needle drive means, c. an auxiliary motor for said needle drive means to alternatively position said sewing needle at pre-selected positions thereof, d. power transmission means including i. a drive shaft having a drive pulley mounted thereon, said drive pulley being in driving connection with said main motor, ii. a driven shaft telescopically mounted for relative rotation with respect to said drive shaft, said driven shaft having a first pulley mounted thereon in driving connection with said needle drive means and having a second pulley rotatably mounted thereon in driving connection with said auxiliary motor, iii. a first electromagnetic clutch associated with said drive shaft and said driven shaft For selectively connecting said drive shaft in driving connection with said driven shaft upon energization of said first electromagnetic clutch, iv. a second electromagnetic clutch associated with said driven shaft and said second pulley for selectively connecting said driven shaft in driving connection with said second pulley upon energization of said second electromagnetic clutch, and e. control means including i. a first ring formed principally of electrically conducting material and including a relatively small non-conducting portion, said first ring being mounted for rotation with said needle drive shaft, ii. a second ring formed principally of electrically conducting material and including a relatively small non-conducting portion, said second ring being mounted for rotation with said needle drive shaft, iii. a first electrical circuit including two contacts engaging said first ring for selectively energizing said first electromagnetic clutch when both contacts engage conductive portions of said first ring and for selectively deenergizing said second electromagnetic clutch when one of said contacts engages only the non-conductive portion of said first ring at the up position of said sewing needle, iv. a second electrical circuit including two contacts engaging said second ring for selectively energizing said second electromagnetic clutch when both contacts engage conductive portions of said first ring and for selectively deenergizing said second magnetic clutch when one of said contacts engages only the non-conductive portion of said second ring at the down position of said sewing needle, v. switching means for alternately and selectively closing said first and second electrical circuits whereby said second electromagnetic clutch may be energized by either of said first and second electrical circuits.
 2. An attachment assembly as defined in claim 1 and further characterized in that: said telescopically mounted driven shaft has an extending length that is less than the length of said drive shaft; said first electromagnetic clutch includes a first rotatable member secured to said drive shaft at a point adjacent one end of said driven shaft, and a second rotatable member carried on said one end of said driven shaft, said first and second rotatable member being magnetically connected to one another when said first magnetic clutch is energized; and said second electromagnetic clutch includes a first rotatable member secured to said driven shaft, and a second rotatable member carried by said second pulley adjacent said first rotatable member, said first and second rotatable members being magnetically connected upon energization of said second magnetic clutch. 